Economic costs of invasive species in Germany

Invasive alien species are a well-known and pervasive threat to global biodiversity human well-being. Despite substantial impacts of invasive species, quantitative syntheses monetary costs incurred from invasions in national economies often missing. As consequence, adequate resource allocation for management responses has been inhibited, because cost-benefit analysis actions cannot be derived. To determine the economic cost Germany, Central European country with 4 th largest GDP world, we analysed published data collected first assessment species. Overall, were estimated at US$ 9.8 billion between 1960 2020, including 8.9 potential costs. The mostly linked extrapolated American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus , black cherry Prunus serotina two mammals: muskrat Ondatra zibethicus mink Neovison vison. Observed driven by broad range taxa associated control-related spending damages or losses. We identified considerable increase relative previous estimates through time. Importantly, 2,249 181 reported only 28 had recorded Therefore, total quantifications here should seen as very conservative. Our findings highlight distinct lack information openly-accessible literature governmental sources on invasion level, masking highly-probable existence much greater Germany. In addition, given that rates increasing, expected further increase. evaluation reporting need improved order deliver basis effective mitigation international economies.